I found out last week that my company is eliminating my position.

Anonymous

April 19,2022 at 3:36PM UTC

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I found out last week that my company is eliminating my position. My boss scheduled a 1:1 with me, then conferenced in HR and of course I knew something was up. He told me real quick what was happening, then got off the phone and let HR take over. I have about three weeks left which will take me just past a year of being employed there. I'm receiving two weeks of severance, and three months of paid health insurance. Is this reasonable and is this negotiable?

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AnonymousApril 19,2022 at 4:16PM UTC
It is extremely reasonable with just a year tenure. It's all negotiable but remember the company owes you nothing.
Sophie JoernApril 19,2022 at 5:14PM UTC
Hi there, so sorry to hear about your situation. Two weeks is very typical for severance, however you can always ask. If you choose to negotiate, come to the table with your request ready, versus asking if they can do anymore, the worst that could happen is they say no but it is truly up to you if you would like to have that conversation. Depending on the reason for the elimination for your role, you could also ask for a letter of reference or recommendation to assist with your next job search. Best of luck to you!
AnonymousApril 27,2022 at 1:48AM UTC
Thank you. I negotiated for six months of health insurance instead of three. This was more important to me because my husband doesn't have health insurance with his job. I know I will get unemployment so I should be ok there while I am looking for my new opportunity.
Erin Thomas, Career + Leadership CoachApril 21,2022 at 2:23PM UTC
Hi, sorry to hear this. I know how unnerving it is to get this sort of news.
Traditionally companies give one week of severance for each year you were with the company, so two weeks for one year of tenure is pretty normal.
as for negotiation, you might consider asking if they’ll pay for career coaching our outsourced career services to help you find your next job. I work with many companies as their preferred career Coach for employees who are being laid off to support their next steps.
and of course if you need any support with next steps just shoot me a DM.
AnonymousApril 27,2022 at 1:44AM UTC
Thank you. They are giving me four months of some type of job search support- I've never had this so I don't know how effective it is or not, but I'll certainly take advantage.
AnonymousApril 22,2022 at 12:59PM UTC
Two weeks severance/3 months health insurance for being there a year is reasonable, but it never hurts to try and negotiate for more.
AnonymousApril 22,2022 at 1:19PM UTC
Another big thing to ask, perhaps before you ask for that bump in severance, is who will be taking on your workload and what can you do to help train them.
As one who has seen positions eliminated, and my workload increase significantly (doing the work of 3 people right now with no end in sight), this would be a benefit to that person and the organization. Shows no matter what you are a team player, and ready to move on with grace. It is sad to say this did not happen for me, and after 2 years, we're still struggling.
Madam anon663April 22,2022 at 1:45PM UTC
I disagree, the OP owes them nothing more.
AnonymousApril 22,2022 at 8:39PM UTC
That is very reasonable in today's climate. Everything is negotiable, but I'd say this is more than fair and you're unlikely to get more. That said, make sure you file for unemployment on your first day out of work - there's usually a waiting period before it starts paying, and Severance is not considered "earned" pay (although certainly disclose that so the state can make the determination). Also ask if you will be paid out for any accrued, unused vacation/PTO. Good luck. Sorry this is happening to you, it sucks.
AnonymousApril 27,2022 at 1:40AM UTC
Thank you!
Joanna PoeApril 22,2022 at 9:32PM UTC
It doesn't sound negotiable; if they had something for you in another division, they probably would have tried that.
I've seen companies pull all kinds of odd moves; possibly they're hurting financially and will be giving your duties to someone who's already got too much going on, and that person won't be getting extra compensation. They may even pull that on someone they want to force out so that they'll quit in frustration and save them the severance and health benefits.
The upside: none of the above is your problem; go apply for your unemployment, take the (generous) health coverage, and start looking.
AnonymousApril 27,2022 at 1:40AM UTC
Thanks!
MottaApril 25,2022 at 3:30PM UTC
The severance seems a bit less. See if they will give more. Compared to the severance, the insurance is excellent. None of the companies I got laid off from ever gave me that much health insurance coverage..
My guess is they kind of consider the 3 extra weeks as a sort of de facto severance. Use that time to update your resume and start looking for another job.
Joanna PoeApril 25,2022 at 7:16PM UTC
At my last layoff, I got one week of severance per year of service, so this is generous compared to the alternative. And the insurance is extra generous. I only ever got it for one month.
AnonymousApril 27,2022 at 1:39AM UTC
Yes, that's what I thought as well with the three weeks "heads up".
I ended up asking for six months of health insurance and got it. Thanks!
AnonymousApril 27,2022 at 1:46AM UTC
Appreciate the advice!